'The boy will go' - Exclusive: McAvennie reacts to mega incoming Declan Rice bid from Chelsea
Frank McAvennie has pleaded with Declan Rice to stay at West Ham for one more season but conceded that the midfielder will move on eventually.
The former Irons and Celtic striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, warned the board that they must match the 21-year-old's ambition in the transfer market if they want him keep him this summer.
Football Insider revealed yesterday that Chelsea are looking to continue their spending spree by offering a player-exchange deal for the versatile midfielder totalling £70million.
Rice did not miss a minute of Premier League action for the Irons last season which earned him the Hammer of the Year award last month.
Frank Lampard's side have been given encouragement by both West Ham and the player himself but McAvennie has urged the England international to hold off on a mega-money move for one more season.
"The boy will go eventually I just hope it is next year rather than this year," he told Football Insider.
"He always says that he loves the fans so give them next year.
"But it also depends on the ambition of West Ham and they need to buy players to match his ambition. You have got to buy players and he will want the owners to give David Moyes money to go out and improve the squad. They need talent. West Ham are a big club so, we will have to wait and see."
He has predominantly played as a holding midfield player under David Moyes last season but it is understood that Lampard wants to utilise the Englishman at centre-half.
Rice, who was included in Gareth Southgate's England squad for the upcoming Nations League matches, has four years left on his contract at the London Stadium.